The digestive system is all the organs in the body that break down and digest food. They are linked from the mouth to the anus.

Digestion occurs when food is broken down so that nutrients can be absorbed by the body.

Saliva is a watery liquid in the mouth that keeps it wet and helps prepare food for digestion.

The oesophagus is the tube in the body that takes food from the mouth to the stomach.

Stomach acid is a digestive fluid, formed within the stomach lining, that helps digest food.

The human digestive system

Science

In this The human digestive system unit, pupils learn to describe the simple functions of the basic parts of the digestive system in humans. In the Human circulatory system and keeping healthy unit, they will build on this knowledge to identify and name the main parts of the human circulatory system

In the Human body parts units, pupils learnt to identify and name the basic parts of the human body. In this The human digestive system unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to identify different types of teeth and the basic parts of the digestive system in humans

Introduction to the human digestive system

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Use of equipment that may require supervision for safety, e.g. scissors in KS1, needles, paint, knives, cooking.

Activity that requires collection of items from an area (room, building).

Humans need {{}} and water to survive and stay healthy. 

moistens the food to make it easier to swallow

Match the part of the mouth to its function in the digestion process. 

It is pushed through the throat into your lungs.

It is pushed down the oesophagus into your legs when you stand up.

It falls through the oesophagus into your stomach when you move.

it is pushed through the oesophagus into your stomach by muscles

What happens to the food after it leaves the mouth?

Food is absorbed through the stomach wall. 

Food is digested in the stomach where it disappears. 

Food is broken down further by stomach acid.

Food enters the stomach where the stomach acid melts it all. 

Food is mashed up in the stomach by vinegar. 

Which of these statements explains what happens in the next step of digestion?  

Put these parts of the body in the correct order of digestion, starting with the first part of the digestive system.

{{}} can be used to demonstrate and explain things that we are not able to see or experience for ourselves.

Most humans are omnivores. We eat a varied {{}} to stay healthy. 

What do humans have in their mouth that helps them to bite and chew food? 

Our lips, {{}} and teeth help us to speak clearly. 

The teeth are part of which system in the body? 

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Exploration of objects

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz